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An Orphan in a Foggy City

I watched the film 'Lost in Translation' when it was first released, - who can resist Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson? The funny thing is - I didn't find it that funny, -it was too real. This movie is precisely how life was in Tokyo, at least when I lived there and we all have own perception of what reality is. So many wonderful characters, an eclectic mix of surreal situations against the background of Tokyo's neon cityscape. When you land in a foreign city like Tokyo or Hong Kong one of the biggest assaults on your senses is the language, -both visually and audibly. How lost we are without our English?

Recently, I signed up for Chinese Mandarin language lessons, one hour a week for 10 weeks. Don't worry, I had little expectation that one could master such an ancient language after so short a time. It's just a language I've always been fascinated with.

My last lesson made me smile, -a few book titles 'popped up' during the usual banter with our tutor. We should have been revising 'how to tell the time,' instead we were discussing literal translations of Chinese Mandarin to English and how amusing they were. A few riotous laughs erupted around the classroom.

Here's a few book translations that had us laughing:
Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist translates to 'An Orphan in a Foggy City.'
Daphne DuMaurier's - Rebecca transforms into 'Butterfly Dreams.'
Jane Austen's - Pride and Prejudice becomes 'Arrogant and Prejudice or as my tutor says (Preconceived Idea of Someone's character)

I also loved this sentence: I want to go to the movies - translates to 'I want to see Electric Shadows'

And lastly, our humble P.C, Computer translates to 'Electric Brain.'

If you have any English Translations that make you smile, please feel free to share them.

A/N: What are you working on this weekend? I'm super excited that we're getting our tree tomorrow - a tree decorating tea party is in order! And, I will also dive into my revisions. Happy Writing this weekend dear friends!

I can't imagine how lost I'd feel landing in Tokyo or another city where the language was so foreign to me! Have a great tree decorating weekend! I've got a family Christmas party tomorrow, so I'm excited!

Jo, I shall some baubles on the tree for you and indulge in a few drinkies. Maybe mulled wine. Hope you get some R&R my dear. ;)

Karen, glad you enjoyed. It was hilarious! I'm still smiling about the lesson even now. ;)

Meredith, Tokyo is very foreign but once you stay there a while, you get used to it. Now, if I visit, it feels like my second home. Wierd. ;) Enjoy your family Christmas party, you're making me nostalgic for home. Enjoy!! x

You lead a truly exciting life. You let no grass grow under your feet. I can always feel the zest in your posts. You'll never regret it when you're my age. I'd hate to look back on my life and say, "Gee, I wish I had...... " Nope. Just do it when you can, Sweet Talei.

On the other hand we have Cantonese speaking neighbours and the woman does not speak English. When she first came she acknowledged my father one morning - in Cantonese. He was recovering from knee surgery and came into me quite puzzled, "Shi asked me how my knee was but she didn't understand when I answered her."I had to explain that what sounded like "knee how?" to him is a greeting!

Foreign language is just that for me - foreign.Understood enough to get through two years in high school, but that is about all - and to think that my aunt taught Mexicans to read and write Spanish. A couple of years ago I did take a couple of courses in Latin, yes Latin. Enjoyed it very much, but cannot say that I retained much. One of my kids is learning German, and the other one can converse a little in French. I am always amazed and impressed when others can pick up a language and remember it.So when you say you took Mandarin, I am very proud of you.

Mshatch, you should get it translated, it could put a whole other viewpoint on the story which is always interesting. ;)

Cat, that's funny! what a coincidence your Dad had knee surgery, that would've been an interesting conversation. ;)

Jennifer, thanks! that was my last one for awhile. Until I find time to do more, I shall practise on unsuspecting friends. ;)

Misha, so true. Its difficult and you really need time, 10 weeks isn't long enough. Preferably a couple of years in China would be good. :D

Golden Eagle, how cool! You must be good!! ;)

Vicki, it was a good movie, l thought they might kiss a little and regret it, but I wasn't disappointed when they didn't. I think Sophia Coppola did a great job directing. The script was funny, the whisky adverts? ;) Love the translation tools too!

Mya, oh you're so sweet. Thank you! ;) And I'm impressed with your Latin. Languages are great for kids too - a real icebreaker and easiest taught while young as they have no inhibitions about speaking it aloud. My little one is learning French now. I used to get funny looks with my Japanese, but as our tutor said to us in Mandarin - 'to learn Mandarin, you cannot be shy.' ie you cannot worry about what you look or sound like, you have to practice. Good advice! ;)